Amcor Capsules is preparing to launch ESSENTIELLE, a plastic-free foil made of aluminum and paper, in partnership with champagne producer Moët & Chandon – aiming for a lower carbon footprint and increased recyclability compared to conventional solutions.
The ESSENTIELLE foil is created using paper made in Europe, which apparently has a lower carbon impact than other plastic solutions on the market. The companies state that by replacing plastic with paper, the product’s carbon footprint is 31% lower compared to standard polylaminate foils. This is based on a comprehensive “cradle to grave” life-cycle analysis of basic packaging compared to the suggested packaging, assuming 100% mechanical recycling for the aluminum part and 100% incineration with energy recovery for the other components. The assessment was carried out using the ASSET Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool, verified by the Carbon Trust.
ESSENTIELLE is said to contain approximately 60% aluminum, with its recyclability attested to by CITEO’s TREE assessment tool, when combined with glass recycling in France. It can also be customized according to market requirements.
The product is part of Amcor Capsules’ TRANSPARENCE programme, developed in July 2023 to reduce the company’s environmental impact. Reportedly, TRANSPARENCE has allowed Amcor Capsules to integrate more than 90% recycled tin in capsules and sparkling foil, as well as incorporating up to 46% recycled aluminum in screw caps for the still wine and spirits’ segment.
The ESSENTIELLE foil will be produced at the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ site in Champagne from October 2024. Initially, the solution will be available with standard or customizable texturing. The ESSENTIELLE foil with a smooth finish is expected to be available during the first quarter of 2025.
In similar news, Tesco recently announced its new tubeless design for aluminum kitchen foil, in a bid to save 12.5 million cardboard rolls from being produced every year. Said to be the first of its kind in the UK, the foil is rolled around a spindle featuring air vents, which are then pumped with air, allowing the foil to be gently released.
Rotomac was a finalist in last year’s Sustainability Awards with its coreless aluminium foil roll technology, within its ICEBREAKER 167 - CORELESS machine. The technology aims to reduce carbon emissions and paper consumption and save on stock and logistics costs.
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